Pett & Level Village News August 2020 DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS EAT, DRINK, STAY PEST CONTROL Bramley & Teal Holiday Cottages 32 Rother Pest Control 38 New Beach Club 37 Wanedale Pest Control 38 Stream House B & B 36 PETS & LIVESTOCK The Royal Oak 55 Canine Companions Dog Boarding 44 The Two Sawyers 54 Fresh Start for Hens 12 GARDEN SERVICES Hannah’s Hounds 18 1066 Tree Care 16 Hayley’s Hounds 38 Garden Gems 8 PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL PJ Turner 12 A A Farnes 12 Paul King Garden Maintenance 22 Ecoheat Ltd 12 HEALTH & WELLBEING Hannington-Gilbert Electricians 24 Dawn Turner 44 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Eyemasters 32 Funnell & Perring (Solicitor) 36 Five Villages 48 & Rother Legal Services Ltd 22 Pett Pop-Up Yoga Workshops 16 Rush, Witt & Wilson (Estate Agent) 4 Yoga For All 34 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE HOUSEHOLD SERVICES B Walker - Flat Roof Problems 50 Bargain Floors Chris Sherwin ‘A Man That Can’ 38 Conquest Cleaning 46 Dream Doors 26 HARC charity (House Clearance) 16 J e n n i n g s - B r a m l y 34 Furniture Neil Burgess – Technology Services 46 KR Windows 50

Reliable Car Travel 46 Your Local Handyman 48 Surelock Homes - Locksmith 40 STONEMASONS Telly Addicts 48 Yew Tree Stone 16 LOCAL PRODUCE SUPPLIERS TUITION The Old Butcher’s Shop 18 Buckswood School 52 Seafood Delivery & at Wakehams 44 VEHICLE SERVICE & REPAIRS PAINTING & DECORATING Garage on the Level 24 J C Elliott - Painter & Decorator 18 Gem-Services 40 Wood Paper Scissors 20 WEB DESIGN SERVICES Neil Burgess – Think Different 26

2 Welcome

Welcome to the August edition of the Pett & Pett Level Village News!

Thank you to everyone who has said how pleased there are to have the physical copy of the magazine delivered again after a break of two months, and a big thank you to our delivery team who give of their time to make sure 600 copies of the magazine are delivered every month.

In addition to our normal articles, I take a look this month, at one of Pett's more famous residents, the artist Cecil Walter Bacon. I really only knew CWB's work through the cover of this magazine, which he designed in the late 1980’s, but when I researched further, I was surprised to learn how extensive and high profile his work had been, and still is. He designed iconic posters for Transport and British Railways in the 1930s and for the Ministry of Information during WW2. He also worked as an illustrator for the Radio Times for over 30 years. Pett & Pett Level should be justifiably proud of his achievements, and, as I mention in the article on page 28 - an exhibition of his work is long overdue! There are several other well known artists who have lived in the area over the past 150 years and I will highlight them in subsequent issues.

In addition, there is an update on the work of Pett Mutual Aid, plus a date for your diary - Saturday 12th September - Ride & Stride, a sponsored event to raise money for the church buildings in Pett & Fairlight. See page 25 for more details, so, get out those walking boots or running shoes, oil those bicycles, or saddle up your horse or pony, and have some fun and exercise, all in aid of a good cause!

Let's hope the sun continues to shine for us in August!

Take care John Case

THE NEWS TEAM ARE: - Mike Wilkins, Editor, 07710 080148 John Case, Assistant Editor 01424 812224 or 07525032198 Lesley Wilkins, Advertising, 01424 813206 Brenda Kirkham, Subscriptions, 01424 815022 Sarah Adams, Distribution Co-ordinator, 01424 812323 And not forgetting our distribution team of up to 20 volunteers

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Copy must be sent, by email, to [email protected] If you want to provide something handwritten please contact us first otherwise it may not be printed. Copy must be accompanied by your name, address and phone number. When submitting letters the writer should give due consideration before naming individuals, either directly or by implication. No letter will be published anonymously. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to cut, crop, edit or not publish any copy received. Pett & Pett Level News is published by Pett Parish Council supported by a team of volunteers. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein. However, neither the publishers or the news team can be held responsible for any errors or omissions (E&OE). Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the authors of the individual letters, articles, announcements and adverts, and they do not necessarily represent the views of the the publishers or the news team. Neither the publishers or the news team can uphold or recommend any advertiser here within this publication. 3 4 Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor Dear Editor

I would like to take this opportunity to Pat Dean thank all those wonderful friends and neighbours who have helped me since I It is with sadness that we learned of ‘stumbled’ in woods at the the sudden death of Pat. For many end of June. years she was a stalwart at our Jumble Sales, Fetes and Flower festivals. Her From those who called the ambulance homemade sweet stall was always and provided pillows and blankets to popular and the first to sell out. It make me comfortable, drove our car made a very welcome contribution to home, made us meals and cakes, church funds. looked after my greenhouse, dead headed my roses, did shopping, offered We shall miss her cheerful presence - to walk our dog, hospital runs and so as well as her sweets! much more. The cards, flowers and offers of on-going support have been She will be remembered with thanks wonderful and I am indebted to you and affection. all. May she rest in peace. What a truly precious village we live in with a community spirit which is From Meriel Deasy on behalf of Pett second to none – my sincere thanks to Church everyone. And they say walking is good for us! Jackie Richards x

5 Pett Parish Council Update, David Penfold, Chair

First, I have to report, with much regret, that Councillor Stuart Ware has resigned; to quote him: “I am afraid that balancing other commitments, not least my family, has become unachievable”. However, Stuart continues as Chair of the Pett Sports Association (PSA), so his work for the village, which is much appreciated, will continue, particularly as the PSA works closely with the council.

There was a (third) virtual council meeting in July, mainly concerned with agreeing the financial and administrative requirements for the last financial year. It was also agreed to investigate drainage problems around the tennis court at the Recreation Field. The other issue that it was agreed to investigate further was the possible purchase of a speed camera. The Rother Association of Local Councils (RALC) has agreed with the police and Highways that speed data from approved cameras can be used to identify speeding hotspots. A trial is being held in and the council here agreed to note the results of that trial and also to investigate the other implications of having a speed camera (where to put it, licences required etc.). It may also be possible to share the cost with neighbouring parishes (the camera is movable).

Council meetings feature reports from our County and District councillors. At the recent meeting, Councillor Keith Glazier reported the disturbing (but not unexpected) news that the county council will have a large predicted deficit in the current year (due to the Covid crisis) and that, unless more money is received from central government, some services will have to be reduced as the county is not allowed to end up with a deficit.

Last month I referred to the small group of ‘defenders of our shore’. The last one of these, the self-styled ‘Little Veteran’, was eventually issued with an exclusion order, which means that he is not allowed back to Pett Level. The same cannot, perhaps unfortunately, be applied to visitors’ cars, which have been back in force at times, causing serious hold-ups, which seem difficult to avoid.

Last month, I also mentioned Guestling Surgery. I am pleased to note that, by the time this issue reaches you, the District Valuer will have inspected the premises. If he is happy for them to continue as a surgery, then an application can be made for a practice to use them; this has to be approved by the local Clinical Commissioning group (CCG). Although we have to await the outcome, I have been asked to encourage people to write to the CCG emphasising how important it is to have a local surgery; the email address is [email protected].

As lockdown eases, I am pleased that, in spite of what I said last month, The Two Sawyers has re-opened. And I am hoping that The Royal Oak will be open by the time you read this. Both, of course, with all the required precautions taken.

You will have seen that the road surface on Friars Hill and Chapel Lane has been top- dressed. This is intended to last for ten years and also to stabilise the repairs that were carried out recently. It is due to be swept again, more than once, to remove the loose chippings. This may have happened by the time you read this. 6 Pett Parish Council Update, David Penfold, Chair

Village maintenance continues. The bench on the south side of the Recreation Field has been repaired by Peter Felton and repairs to the alternative main gate to the field should take place shortly. Similarly, repairs to the allotments gate are scheduled. A green metal bench and a similar picnic table have been moved around the Recreation Field for some time. It has been decided to move the bench into the tennis court and to fix the picnic table permanently, although a site has not finally been decided.

Pett Mutual Aid continues its work, under the leadership of Frances Hadfield and John Case. On behalf of the parish, I would like to thank all the volunteers for what they are doing. In this connection, as some people will know, Rother commissioned some cards from local schoolchildren (see below). A number of these have been sent to people who are isolating or otherwise vulnerable. The response to these has shown that they have been much appreciated. If you know of anyone who would like to receive the card, then please let me know.

It has been drawn to my attention that, as a result of the introduction of the GDPR legislation last year, the number of people subscribing to the weekly Rother Alerts has dropped significantly. If you don’t already subscribe (or you used to and no longer do), you will find that this is good way of keeping up with what is happening in Rother; it also reminds you which bin to put out! For more information on how to subscribe, go to www.rother.gov.uk/my-alerts.

Finally, I have to report the sudden and sad death of Patricia Dean. Pat worked in computing and cybernetics and featured last year in a YouTube video about relativity (Why Einstein was wrong – https://youtu.be/jIzLhhI4yFY). Locally, two years ago, she made a generous donation to the Flower Show to set up model- making classes in memory of her parents. Our sympathy goes to her family. 7 8 Pett Mutual Aid Update by John Case

Rye Mutual Aid was set up, back in March by Caroline Drummond and Jen Sinclair, in response to the emerging issues resulting from Covid-19. Initially, the focus was on establishing a network of volunteer support in Rye, but within a very short space of time it became evident that there was also a need to increase the support across the adjacent villages. By the end of the first week over 500 people had signed up to become volunteers, across 20 ‘Zones’, or geographical areas. Rye Mutual Aid became the ‘Head Quarters’ as it were, and quickly established key protocols and safe ways of working, organising training, sourcing PPE, and liaising with other key statutory and voluntary groups in the area.

In Pett & Pett Level, over 40 people signed up as Volunteers to undertake shopping, the collection of prescription drugs, visits to the post office, banks, etc, or simply to make regular contact with an isolating member of the community. It is a mark of the great community spirit that exists in Pett & Pett Level, that many folk were also helped by neighbours, family and friends, and this was a similar picture across other towns and villages in the area. During the last few weeks, we have seen a drop in the number of requests for our help, and this is happening across the county, as lockdown restrictions are eased. However, Covid-19 is still very much with us - there is, as yet, no vaccine, and we certainly don’t know how things will evolve over the coming months, particularly as we head into autumn and winter. For that reason, the Pett Mutual Aid volunteer structure will continue to exist and we will provide help and assistance as and when required.

Over the past 4 months the volunteers have responded to 174 requests for help, which includes: - • Collection of Prescription drugs from GP surgeries and Pharmacies • Shopping for food and essential goods • Visits to Post Offices, Banks • DIY assistance • Regular Phone Chats • Home garden visits (socially distanced) • A regular friendly contact whenever needed • Provide PPE - gloves and face-masks, sanitising gel • Signposting people to the appropriate help, advice and guidance

The volunteers have built up important, much valued links with residents. Frequent comments made to myself and the volunteers are how valued they are, what excellent work they do and how they have been a lifeline during these very difficult times. Pett Mutual Aid is also very grateful to the Pett WI, who responded brilliantly to our requests to make face-masks. We really are very fortunate to live in a community that cares about their neighbours, where help and assistance is so readily offered.

If you need our help, you must first contact the official Co-ordinators (Dispatchers) for the area who will then match your request with a registered volunteer.

For Pett & Pett Level, your Dispatchers are: Frances Hadfield - 07714 281 085 John Case - 07525 032 198 9 Gill’s Gardening Blog by Gill Plank

Remember May and the wonderful I am pleased that the lavender and weather? It’s gone downhill since then buddleia are out and attracting many but I am still waiting for some ‘proper’ bees and some butterflies. Not many rain! It seems all parts of the country butterflies but a good range – peacock, have been experiencing heavy, red admiral, comma, common blue, persistent rainfall and even flooding large white. orange tip, meadow brown whilst on our South East corner we miss and other small unidentifiable ones. it all. Thus, apart from a couple of days As to vegetables I continue to fail with last week, the hosepipe still has to be in courgette and beetroot but am regular use. By the way don’t even producing spinach, chard, runner and mention the wind – I hate it when it French beans, tomatoes, onions, makes moaning noises around the house potatoes, peas, radish and lettuce. It in summer – I can tolerate it in the also looks as if carrots, squash, winter but not now when flowers, cucumber and peppers will make a late shrubs, runner beans and fruit trees are entrance. The fruit trees are also subjected to furious battering day after looking very hopeful. day. I had a close encounter with a badger Enough moaning: I am enjoying the birds the other evening. There is a fox with a – I bought two new squirrel proof limp that comes through regularly. I feeders to keep off the rooks and think it is a vixen with cubs. I put out a magpies. So far they are working quite chicken carcass from time to time (after well but have you ever wondered how dark or the magpies are on it) and on many calories a blue tit needs per day, this evening I was heading down to the how many are in one sunflower heart pond at dusk to watch for the bats. As I and how many are burned up flying reached the top of the steps I heard backwards and forwards to the feeders? crunching so I froze. The badger was Maybe not and I don’t have the answers eating the chicken remains and did not but it is interesting to see the tits flying notice me. I watched for several back and forth in their undulating flight minutes then it came up to the top of many, many times per day whereas the the steps within 2 metres of me before robin – I am always amused by its it realised someone was there and then attitude - sits on the fence and only it fled back down the garden. I wished flies small distances collecting several I’d had my camera as it is the closest I seeds at one time. A red kite has been have ever been to a badger and was spotted circling over the area – the quite amazing. (I know Alan wrote in his buzzards and herring gulls are not happy piece last month that the badgers are a at all and we watched a lot of mobbing. problem but they are still remarkable The rooks do that with the buzzards all animals!) the time so I assume they predate the rookery nests.

10 Gill’s Gardening Blog

Now do you know what a yellow necked larger, heavier yellow necked does not mouse is? Well, unsurprisingly, it is a take over. Apparently they are confined mouse with a yellow neck. I have many to the South East of . They are rodents brought to me by Mango (ginger notable for being able to climb trees well cat), some dead and some rescuable. I which explains why it is very hard for me had noticed that some mice were much to catch one in the bathroom as they larger and paler than the usual wood jump well! I have however saved several mouse. On Springwatch Chris Packham and released them back to the garden (or talked about the yellow necked mouse as it may be the same one on several being rarer that the wood mouse. It is not occasions! understood why these two different types Gill Plank share the same habitat and why the Pett Flower Show It would have been on Saturday The Committee are hoping that, by the time you receive this issue of the parish news, there 25 July 2020! will have been many entries for the Young Peoples Virtual Show, for which there are prizes Philippa Strickland writes: It feels very (see the Flower Show page at strange writing this at this time, when in www.pettnet.org.uk for details). In addition, as previous years the Committee would have been everyone has been busy gardening, people have taking all the last-minute actions to make sure been asked to submit photographs of anything that everything would be in place for a brilliant they would have entered for the show. The show: cups returned and cleaned, raffle prizes results can also be seen on the Pett Flower collected, cash floats made up for the stalls, Show web page. timetable for the day agreed with the band, etc., etc. We are still hoping to have a mini show in the autumn at Pett Village Hall. The committee will But not this year! And, so that you know, the be making the final decision later in August so 2019 winners of trophies have been asked to that, if it does go ahead, a reduced schedule keep them until next year. can be made available. Whether the event will We were very sad to hear of the death of Pat go ahead will depend so much on the rules Dean. Pat was a great supporter of the show regarding social distancing. It would be so and sponsored the model-making classes in lovely for the village to have the opportunity to memory of her parents . Many will remember get together again. the wonderful display of their models at the In the mean time, according to the long-range 2017 show. It is pleasing that there have been forecast for 25 July 2020, it is destined to be a great entries for the classes and no doubt there sunny day with a gentle breeze. We hope that, will be many more in the future. whatever you were doing, you had a great day!

11 12 Pett WI Report, Belinda Wood, President

Every experience, no matter how year and our mental and physical bad, holds within it a blessing of wellbeing has at times been severely some kind. The goal is to find it. tested. We have all done what we can in line with government guidelines to It was reported in July that Sophie, The ensure our safety but with so many Countess of Wessex, ventured to her missing the physical contact of our local pub and was able to meet up with loved ones it has been a challenge. a few members of her local Bagshot WI. Many though have made the most of I’m pleased to report that Pett WI’s this time in positive ways with many a committee, which currently numbers new garden/decorating project being six, were also able to have their first undertaken, the sewing machines and proper face-to-face meeting too since knitting/crochet needles clicking lockdown, in the lovely surroundings of feverishly away and of course many lending a helping hand to WI members Jane and Sara’s garden. Since breaking in need (and thanks to so many who my ankle back in April this was my first have assisted me personally!), as well journey out, apart from visits to as our neighbours, friends and families. hospital; and we were all thrilled to be able to meet up again It saddened me to have to cancel the and I was made to feel like royalty by two theatre trips I had personally Jane and Sa’s fabulous hospitality and arranged to see Come From Away in the West End in March and Six the Musical by the kindness of Sally, Amanda and at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury Trish. Sadly though at this time of booked for May! But more importantly writing of course, that is the maximum to see the annual meeting and number that can meet as an organised fundraising programme we put together social group, unless a special event fall to pieces literally overnight was such as a wedding when up to 30 particularly disheartening! I don’t know people are able to congregate, when we will be able to physically therefore with a present membership meet again, or enjoy a live theatrical of 50 we are unable to resume our experience and I know so many of you monthly meetings and social events. have had to cancel many similar social events including long awaited and However, we have been keeping in planned for holidays too. It is great to touch with our members over the last see that our Book Club is still going four months either by telephone/email though and I do urge members to conversation, by old fashioned snail contact me if any of you have an idea mail, as well as actual safe-distanced for a similar “club” type activity, encounters, or through our social particularly one that would lend itself media channels and via our to an online platform. newsletters. Many of us have faced varying levels of personal trauma and tribulations this Continued on page 14

13 Pett WI Report

It is quite a challenge but we are encompass the sadly increasing food currently asking some of our booked poverty issue that is pertinent to the speakers if they can transform their Rye and District areas particularly in talks into a video presentation that view of the fallout from the Covid-19 can be shared either live or online, or crisis. More news of which next month by being sent on a link following the but keep an eye out on our Facebook event. This we know is a very poor page for more updates - huge thanks second best to actually meeting and to Hilary Dymott, Wendy Burgess, Lin does not satisfy the very important Benn and Pam Burgess for their social interaction we have enjoyed in continuing enthusiasm and support of the past that is going to elude us for a this project. while longer. Committee member Trish Walker Early on in the initial lockdown period recently had a two-hour online Pett WI committee urged members meeting with our East Sussex who were keen to show their support Federation of Women’s Institute in some practical and physical way to Advisers covering a wide range of lend their assistance to the newly topics to see what support they could formed Rye Mutual Aid group. Others provide local WIs such as ours. It within our group kept themselves fully became apparent during the course of occupied in positive ways with many a new garden/decorating project being the meeting that Pett WI are coping undertaken, the sewing machines and well with our monthly committee knitting/crochet needles clicking meetings, monthly newsletter, feverishly away and of course many WhatsApp group and work with WISPA. lending a helping hand to their WI Many WIs were reporting complete members in need, neighbours, friends apathy and total disengagement from and families. Longstanding member members but we are so pleased that Wendy Burgess, who is known for her this has not been the case with the fabulous handicrafts, has been making majority of our own membership. masks for members and friends in exchange for a packet of sanitary We may number 50 in members but we towels – these towels are then being are just six on the committee. donated to local charities in need. Nonetheless we are keen to keep the Wendy has already at the point of goodwill and spirt of the WI going for writing in early July made 150 masks as long as we can. We are grateful to which were sent to Rye Mutual Aid. our membership for their support and encouragement throughout this time – We are working on widening the remit it means the world to us. of our local community initiative currently entitled Pett WISPA, (Pett WI Sanitary Protection Appeal) to Continued on page 15

14 Pett WI Report

Finally, I leave you with a recipe from our own Trish! Trish’s Teatime Tasty Treat - Chocolate Truffle Torte

This is one of my favourites and so simple:

2 tablespoons Amaretto 1 pint double cream (room temp) 450g plain chocolate 75g Amaretti biscuits crushed finely

9 inch loose bottomed cake tin lined with a circle of grease proof paper

Sprinkle crushed biscuits all over base of cake tin. Put chocolate and Amaretto in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until smooth and melted. Stir and remove from heat until just warm about 5 mins. In a separate bowl beat cream until slightly thickened. Fold half into chocolate mixture then fold that into rest of cream. When smoothly blended, spoon into prepared tin. Cover and chill overnight. Just before serving run a knife around edge and turn out onto serving plate. Dust surface with sifted cocoa powder. Serve with pouring cream if you must!

Belinda Wood, President, Pett WI

Community Library Notes

We are back!!! Thanks to Tim Rothwell and all who have been keeping the Village Hall ticking over, we are able to re-open the Community Library in August.

Anne and Tim are unable to restart the Coffee Morning, but you are very welcome to bring your own drinks and meet friends outside on the picnic benches at the back of the main hall. Please take responsibility for your own and others' well-being and observe social distancing rules.

We will display the books in accordance with guidelines at the time, to encourage social distancing. And something else that might interest you - we are now lending out jigsaw puzzles. We're looking forward to seeing you back and hope you can use this opportunity to meet up with friends, especially those whom you might not have seen for a while.

Community Library only, no coffee morning yet, 10 - 12 August 5th.

Anna and Vivien

15 16 Kitchen Delights with Sue Fleigh

Baked Peaches With Raspberries & Cheats Pimms

Two recipes for the price of one! I love this pud, it’s delicious and easy to make. Choose peaches or nectarines that are almost ripe. If the stone refuses to budge, leave it in the peach half and remove with a small knife after cooking.

Serves 6

7fl oz/200ml Sweet White Wine or Apple Juice 5 fl oz./50ml Water 2½/75g Sugar ½ Vanilla pod split in two (not quite as good, but you can make do with the equivalent in vanilla bean paste or extract ½ Stick of Cinnamon 4 peelings of Orange 6 medium ripe Peaches or Nectarines 2 x Punnets of Raspberries

Place the wine or juice, water, sugar, spices and peel in a small pan and bring up to the boil. Simmer for 5 mins, cover and leave to infuse for up to an hour. Heat oven to 170c/325f/gas mark 3.

Cut peaches in half and remove stone. Lay skin side down in an ovenproof dish and pour over the syrup, including the spices and peel and bake until the fruit is almost tender (15-20 mins). Remove from oven, discard the spices and peel and scatter over the raspberries, basing them with the juices. Return to oven for 5 mins to soften the raspberries. Allow to cool a little before serving with whipped cream and shortbread.

Now I have your attention! CHEATS PIMMS

1 measure of Gin 1 measure of Red Vermouth 1 measure of Orange Curacao Sliver of cucumber peel Sprig of mint Sparkling lemonade

Mix the first three ingredients together in a tall glass, then add the next 3 items. A ‘measure’ can be any size you like.

Few, if any, of your guests will spot the difference between Cheats Pimms and the real thing. Cheers. 17 18 Church News

Retirement of our Rector We will also remember Richard’s efforts The Rector of the Benefice of Fairlight and during the pandemic to provide us with Pett, Richard Barron, has announced that support by online messages and sermons he will retire at the end of October. We and services and more recently by the will then be without a Rector until a popular introduction of open-air services replacement can be found. We will carry which started in July and will continue on with services which will be led by throughout August. (Quiet and peaceful retired clergy or by our Reader, Meriel. dogs can also attend!) When Richard arrived we had been without a Rector for over three years and Most of all, I suppose, we will remember there is no reason to think it will not be Richard’s sweet peas. He qualified in an equally long period this time. horticulture before he was ordained and no one could fail to be impressed by the How should we churchgoers and non- Rectory garden under his care. And what churchgoers feel about this? We will feel a really lovely flower to specialise in: sad, of course, to say farewell to Richard loved by all for the varied colours and but we can certainly make the best of the incomparable smell! situation by opening our hearts and minds to new possibilities. For example, we may Richard and his wife Kath will be moving share more services with other parishes, to Worthing and so they will still be near possibly Guestling, or even parishes the sea. I am sure that churches there further afield. This may have to be a will welcome his help in leading services pattern for the future and so we can, at and I hope there is a horticultural show least, try it out during the time we are for his sweet peas to enter. So here is an without a Rector. extract from a poem by that (thankfully little known) Pett Level poet. It is a There is no reason to feel pessimistic! Lament for Richard to chant as he Christianity has survived far worse turmoil meanders over to Worthing: in the past and has survived. The Holy Trinity of God and Jesus and the Holy So how will Pett remember me Spirit will support us and look after us. It And what will I remember? is sometimes difficult to remember to be The dampness of the church’s walls joyful but I am sure that more can be And water in the entrance? achieved in joy than in gloom. The lack of any toilets there Over the next few months we will be And constant want of money? thinking of how we will remember The congregation ageing fast Richard. We will remember that he Rejecting any changes? wanted very much to increase the size of the congregation as he had done in his No! I’ll remember welcome smiles previous parish. To assist that endeavour Their wanting to be hopeful he tried a mission initiative. We will For Rectors come and Rectors go certainly remember his sermons (or The Church goes on forever. addresses or homilies). They were clear and not at all solemn or pompous. Angela Hawksley, Churchwarden

19 20 Church News

Annual Parochial Church Meeting I once met a man who told me his cousin had married a girl whose aunt had a great friend whose father had always enjoyed annual general meetings. That is the nearest I have come to finding anyone who looks forward to an annual meeting! And so it is with some diffidence that I recommend to you the Pett Church Annual Meeting on 11th August at 7.30pm in Pett Church.

Why bother to come? You can find out about the financial situation of Pett Church. You can find out about what’s been going on during the year 2019/20. You will have the reassurance of a cleaned church and social distancing. And it will be a cool refuge from the terrific August heat (!!) Pett Church is part of village life and it may be a good thing to take part in it just a little. You can ask questions or, dare I say it, offer criticisms. You can leave the meeting when you want to! Although it shouldn’t last too long anyway! Nobody will ask you for money (well, not directly, and probably not indirectly)

ALL ARE WELCOME! DO COME!

Angela Hawksley Churchwarden, St. Mary and St. Peter, Pett

Civic Service Like a lot of events we were looking forward to, our Civic Service has had to be postponed and will now take place in the spring. As you know, we were hoping to celebrate all the activities that go on in these villages and thank all those who do so much for us. We also want to invite our Councillors and Member of Parliament and, most importantly, the High Sheriff of East Sussex. We will also tell Guestling Bradshaw School when we have a new date.

After the service, we will enjoy a buffet lunch at Pett Village Hall.

2021 is going to be a busy year! Let’s hope there won’t be some new Corona virus variant!

Angela Hawksley Churchwarden, St. Mary and St. Peter, Pett

21 22 Rector’s Ruminations - Richard Barron The Debt Eraser.

The woman at the supermarket checkout looked embarrassed and tearful as she handed back most of her shopping to the cashier. Her weekly food voucher had been refused, yet another victim of a government computer error. She counted out what little cash she had in the hope that she could afford at least a few basic items. Two frightened looking children clung to her legs for reassurance, perhaps feeling the disapproval of the other customers waiting impatiently in the queue. An older couple glared at the woman, willing her to get out of the way. A younger woman rhythmically tapped her credit card on her laden shopping trolley. Then a young man in jeans and tee shirt suddenly came forward from somewhere at the back of the queue, pushed past the disapproving customers and said to the woman, ‘Hey! Don’t worry, I’ll pay this for you.’ It was obvious he wasn’t going to take no for an answer, she baulked but soon relented and he helped her pack her shopping and wished her a great weekend as she walked away. It was wonderful to witness that woman’s relief and gratitude at such an act of generosity.

On another occasion a crowd at a university graduation ceremony were stunned when the guest speaker, an alumnus, announced that he and his family would cover the student debt of the entire graduating year. One student with a debt of £80,000 was amongst those who broke down in tears of joy and disbelief.

Generosity is a wonderful gift. I know this, because I and my family have been a recipient of wonderful generosity. Many years ago I became very ill. The doctor recommended a spell of recuperation in a warm country. Financially that was out of the question. But several people united together to enable me and the whole family to fly to Tenerife for our first ever holiday abroad. It was a wonderful gift, for which I will be forever grateful. It also achieved the goal of aiding my recovery.

We all know what it is like to be in debt. We’ve had to pay for homes, vehicles, holidays and other things and we know the sense of relief when a bill has finally been paid. But there is a debt that none of us can ever fully pay and that is the debt of sin.

Sin is the collective term for the things we do wrong; those times when we offend someone, lose our temper, make a mistake, break a promise, put ourselves before others. Sin is what condemns us and gives us a bad conscience. We know we are not perfect. Other people know it too and sometimes accuse us. Worst of all, God knows it! But wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone would pay our debt, wipe our slate and give us a clean conscience?

That’s what Jesus does! He is like the young man in the supermarket. If we agree to His help, He will pay our debt to God, wipe our slate and give us a clean conscience. In addition, He opens the way to a new life in heaven for all eternity. No-one is more generous than God! He is the ultimate debt eraser. Have you let Him erase your debts?

Pett Church worship in August. All services start at 10.30am It is probable, that the churches in the Benefice of Fairlight and Pett will continue the pattern of Open Air Worship for August. If so, it is likely to be as follows August 2nd St Andrew’s Fairlight August 9th St Mary and St Peter, Pett August 16th St Peter’s Fairlight Cove August 23rd St Mary and St Peter, Pett

23 24 Ride + Stride Sponsored event Helping to preserve Sussex Churches Saturday 12th September 2020

Ride, Run, Walk to raise money for churches in Pett, Pett Level, Fairlight and Guestling and the Sussex Historic Churches Trust. Your contribution will be divided equally between your chosen church and the Sussex Historic Churches Trust

Every year the Sussex Historic Churches Trust organises a Ride & Stride Sponsored event to raise funds for both the Trust and for local church across Sussex. The county wide event has unfortunately been cancelled this year due to the uncertainty of Covid-19, but local churches are being encouraged to hold their own event.

In Pett and Fairlight there will be an organised 8 mile walk starting at Fairlight church, walking across country to Pett Church, where it will possible to stop for a picnic lunch, before heading off to Guestling Church, where tea and cakes will be available, and finally heading back up to Fairlight.

This is only one option, you can choose to cycle a route of your choice, run or walk as much or as little as you wish. The important thing is to have fun, get out into the country, get some exercise and raise much needed funds for our church buildings.

We hope as many people as possible will take part. To register and for more details please contact John Case on [email protected] or by phone on 01424 812224

25 26 Great Green Bush Cricket by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust The sound of silence

I’m a huge fan of sci-fi B-movies and male’s way of romancing a female – they don’t come any better (or worse) who, if interested, will reply. The best than 1957’s Beginning of the End. It’s chance of finding the Great Green Bush the usual story; overeager government Cricket is to head out on a warm August scientists intent on increasing crop yield evening and listen for their downland inadvertently create giant irradiated duets – a loud, incessant rattle. Imagine grasshoppers the size of doubler decker an enthusiastic maraca player. buses, which set about destroying Chicago. There are some similar I recently went for a walk through the creatures lurking around Sussex. OK, flower-rich meadows of Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Southerham reserve. I was blown away by the wall of sound created by hundreds of crickets and grasshoppers but it became apparent that not everyone could hear this orthopteran orchestra. The sad truth is that as we get older our ears can’t tune in to the higher frequencies produced by these insects and species by species they fall silent. I have a compilation CD of the they’re not going to come stomping chirps and buzzes of Britain’s crickets around Sompting any day soon but and grasshoppers – a sort of ‘Now That’s they’re still mighty impressive. What I Call Stridulation’. I played it this morning and track 24 had gone. It was The Great Green Bush Cricket can claim there a few years ago but now… silence. to be Britain’s biggest insect. Yet this I’ve started to lose my crickets. The Godzilla of the undergrowth is beginning of the end. surprisingly hard to see. Its long, leaf- like body blends in amongst the It isn’t just me who will be hearing less brambles rendering it almost invisible. wildlife in the future. Our countryside is Bug eyes, impressive jaws and twirling becoming quieter as crickets, bees and antennae give it some monster movie birds vanish. Wildflower meadows, the credentials but there’s nothing to fear home to crickets and grasshoppers, have from this harmless native. been lost and the wildlife that depends on them have silently disappeared. The There are about 35 species of crickets ‘Silent Spring’ predicted by Rachel and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Carson in 1962 has seeped across every Britain. Crickets differ from season. This August, get out and listen grasshoppers by having much longer, to the sounds of summer before they thread-like antennae and they ‘sing’ by fade rubbing their wings together (while grasshoppers rub their legs against their wings). This song, or stridulation, is the

27 Famous Pett Residents - Cecil Walter Bacon

For two comparatively small villages, Pett & Pett Level has had its fair share of notable artists over the years, but perhaps none more so than Cecil Walter Bacon, who was born in Battle in 1905, and lived for many years in Pett with his wife and family. His output was both considerable and impressive, designing striking posters for the London Underground, British Railways, the Post Office Bank, in addition to numerous book jackets for a diverse range of authors including Raymond Chandler and H.V Morton. For over 30 years he was also a regular illustrator for the Radio Times and designed two notable covers for that magazine - The Festival of Britain cover (1951) and ‘The Queen Returns’ (1953). His association with the Radio Times, which began in 1935, lasted until 1968 and his work would have been familiar to millions of people over that long period of time. A particularly poignant Radio Times cover of Bacon’s was the Christmas 1943 edition, which depicted a soldier holding a sprig of holly. (see page 31)

Cecil, who was born in 1905, was educated at Sutton Valence School and St Lawrence College in Ramsgate before studying at Hastings School of Art under Philip Cole from 1923 to 1925. He then joined a commercial studio and advertising agency in London in 1926. Cecil was noted for his distinctive pen and ink drawings on scraperboard, and in 1951 he published ‘Scraperboard Drawing’, a classic text book on the subject. In 1929 Cecil married Irene Proctor and they had two sons, Jeremy and Nick, who will be known to many Pett & Pett Level residents. Nick lives in Hastings and Jeremy lives in Rye.

CWB, as he signed his paintings, went freelance in 1929 where his talents and abilities were quickly recognised by a range of organisations including London Underground and British Railways, and his distinctive posters enlivened many a train journey and are now in great demand by collectors across the world.

During WW2 he served in the Royal Air Force as a Leading Aircraftsman, before, in 1942, being assigned to work for the Ministry of Information, producing iconic propaganda artwork which is now very collectable. 28 A number of exhibitions have celebrated Bacon’s contribution to poster and book design, but the most recent was in 1984 at the Hastings Museum and Gallery. Given his importance in 20th century design, it is high time that a major exhibition of his work is staged, bringing his distinctive artwork to a new generation of admirers.

Cecil died on the 12 August 1992 and he is buried in the churchyard of St Mary and St Peter in Pett, along with his wife. Shortly before he died he undertook a commission to design a cover for the Pett Parish magazine, and as you can see, it is still in use today. How many other village magazines can boast a distinctive cover by a world renowned illustrator! I reckon not many! John Case

Poster for The Ministry of Labour & National Service, 1939 (Imperial War Museum) 29 30 Cecil Walter Bacon - some examples of artwork

Radio Time Cover Christmas,1943

Posters for London Transport, 1930s

Two Jacket illustrations for the first UK editions of crime novels by Raymond Chandler 31 32 Nature Notes by Alan Kenworthy

Nature is well connected – not in the been identified turned out to be sense that it knows all the right people, Diplazon laetatorius, a parasitoid of but rather that each species has some hoverfly larvae. Certain hoverfly larvae connection to a number of different are aphidophagous which just means species. We have common ragwort that they eat aphids, and our growing in the garden and that is the nasturtiums have plenty of black-fly for food plant of the cinnabar moth them to eat. The ichneumon wasp in caterpillar. I noticed some cinnabar this case was male, so no ovipositor and moth caterpillars behaving rather nothing for the hoverfly larvae to worry strangely by flicking their tails. Then I about except that he was probably on noticed an ichneumon wasp which the lookout for a female with eggs that turned out to be a parasitoid of needed to be fertilized. (Note that cinnabar moth caterpillars. There is a there are about 2,500 species of very clear distinction between a ichneumon wasp in the UK.) parasite and a parasitoid – parasites live Having sorted out all those connections, off their hosts, maybe taking food or I then found another insect with a very energy from their host but not doing any long ovipositor. I knew that some serious harm. Think mistletoe and species of ichneumon wasp are able to cuckoos (the bird). Parasitoids use their detect hosts that are wood-boring host and eventually kill them. In the insects and can push their ovipositor case of ichneumon wasps, the females into their hosts even when they are have a needle shaped ovipositor which deep inside a tree or branch, but in this they use to inject eggs into the case the insect wasn’t an ichneumon caterpillars. The eggs will hatch and wasp; it was in a different family eat the caterpillar from the inside altogether – the Evanioidea - though it leaving all the vital organs until last, is still a wasp. This particular wasp and sometimes even letting the goes by the marvellous name of caterpillar pupate before they burst out Gasteruption jaculator. As the Latin to complete their own life cycle. Yes, scholars amongst you will know, that gruesome and often cited to rebuff the means ‘stomach erupting javelin idea of a benevolent creator. I don’t thrower’! Gaster is the name given to know if the tail waving of the the abdomen of wasps and bees because caterpillars was a defence against the what would normally be the first ichneumon wasp, or an indication that segment of the abdomen in other they had already been parasitized. insects forms the ‘wasp waist’ in bees, I also found a very much smaller species wasps, and ants. (Yes, it’s pedantic.) of ichneumon wasp (about 6-7 mm) on Continued on page 35 our nasturtiums, which, when it had

33 34 Nature Notes by Alan Kenworthy

The eruption refers to the eggs delivered again. It is not choosy about hosts and via the ‘javelin’. The ovipositor in this will use the mason bee nests in your bee case is longer that the rest of the insect hotels as well as the underground nests of but it is not used to inject its host. It is a mining bees. parasitoid of solitary bee and wasp species Despite all the gruesomeness, there are and it is thought that it can detect the some beautiful insects to be found out vibrations of the bee grubs inside their there of all shapes and sizes. Even if the brood cells. The ovipositor penetrates the connection is only between plant and sealed up cell and lays its eggs next to the pollinator, or plant and herbivore it can be bee grub. When the eggs hatch they will fun to follow the connections and to see polish off the rest of the nectar and pollen where they lead. Should you wish to see left by the bee for its offspring, and then photos of some of the beautiful insects as consume the bee grub itself. It then has a well as the ichneumon wasps mentioned cosy home for the winter and will emerge above go to www.pettnats.blogspot.co.uk in the summer to start the process over

Picture: Gasteruption jaculator which means stomach erupting javelin thrower!

35 36 The New Beach Club

As this is written The New Beach Club social distancing event to be held on has been open for two weekends. We the first or second weekend of are following Government guidelines S e p t e m b e r ( d e p e n d i n g o n t h e and many members who have visited weather!). If you are not able to us are happy to be back. New sponsor anyone there will be a measures have been put in place to donation pot for the Harvest Home at ensure everybody's safety. Come and the New Beach Club from the end of see for yourself. August. We are sorry to inform you that Natalie We look forward to seeing you at the has decided to leave. She has been Club soon. Please come and enjoy. running our kitchen for the past four years but feels this is the time to move The Committee on. We wish her well in the future. We hope to be able to provide food [email protected] soon. Discussions are continuing to www.thenewbeachclub.co.uk ascertain how our measures need to change to be able to do this.

At present our Monday night Quiz will continue online. Many thanks to Matt for his enthusiasm and commitment throughout this lock down. Details of how to join in can be found on our website.

We are sad to say that the 69th Harvest Home Auction will not be held at the New Beach Club at the end of September!! BUT, not wanting a year of fundraising to be missed out, there are plans to do something else to raise a few pounds for Hastings and RNLI. A sponsored walk seems to be the most popular option, so the collectors, auctioneers, runners, and other helpers will be walking from one Lifeboat house to the other, a total of 11 miles, with the New Beach Club conveniently the halfway point!! This will be a weather-permitting, flexible,

37 38 Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat

The strange summer of 2020 continues into August and, at the boathouse, adjustments to the ‘new normal’ continue. Like other local businesses and charities, we’re working hard to maintain balance in doing what we do safely and in line with restrictions, recommendations and additional risk- minimisation.

As locals are well aware, these longer summer holidays for some families mean the beaches continue to be busy. In response, and in order to carry out the maintenance and checks which keep our equipment ‘rescue-ready’, our volunteers maintain a low-key presence where possible and ‘remote’ vigilance when not at the boathouse.

This has proved to be entirely necessary as, since our last update, our volunteers have been tasked on a ‘Shout’ for a missing person, and another for a swimmer in difficulty. In both cases, the PLIRB crews, HM Coastguard, Lydd Search & Rescue team and emergency services were involved, as well as RNLI services for a time. For the missing person, PLIRB and Coastguard teams searched Fairlight coastline and were ‘stood down’ when the missing person was found to have returned home. For the swimmer, it wasn’t necessary to launch as the person was brought safely to shore for medical attention from the Coastguards and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Our situation with fundraising has remained difficult. However, we’re pleased to announce that our campaign with the Weather Lottery has now been launched. Anyone who would like to play for this £25,000 weekly jackpot lottery can sign up in support of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, and we’ll receive the profits from every £1 entry bought via the PLIRB’s page. If anyone would like to find out more, please: ● Visit our dedicated page at the Weather Lottery. ● Visit the boathouse for a leaflet (for social distancing purposes these are in the leaflet box outside the boathouse). ● Check out our Facebook page which has more information and updates for each weekly lottery draw. ● If any of our friends in Pett would like to have extra leaflets to share at work or with friends, please let us know and we can drop some off to you.

In another update, Barbara’s Charity Shed is now open when possible, but please be aware that this is for sales of existing stock only. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Barbara cannot accept donated items at this time, so please do not drop any items off. There’s a full update on this on our blog.

We realise that other local businesses and charities are in the same boat as us in trying to raise funds and get business going again and we wish everyone well at what continues to be a difficult time.

Until next time, please stay well and also take care and stay beach aware. Remember, you can contact us through our website at https://plirb.com or our social media: Twitter @PLIRBRescue and Facebook @PettLevelRescueBoat.

39 40 Dear Resident, If you receive this magazine, then you are eligible to join this free scheme. If you are interested, please complete the form below.

Neighbourhood Watch is about creating safe, pleasant communities rather than a fear of crime. Everyone has a right to feel safe where they live. Our scheme will work closely with , and existing groups such as Rother Neighbourhood Watch, Sussex Crimewatch and Sussex Countrywatch.

This month, I have met with Edward (Ted) Kemp from Rother Neighbourhood Watch and PCSO Emma Phillips, from Battle Police Station, to discuss the setting up of our new village scheme and the rural crimes we face. Also, look out for an upcoming article about the new Sussex Police rural crime team, based in Heathfield, in the next issue of the Hastings Independent - our new village scheme gets a mention!

Sadly, as some of you may already be aware, Ted will be standing down from his Police Volunteer and Chairman roles in November. I know that you will join me in thanking Ted for helping set up Pett NHW. Our village scheme and wider Rother scheme are always looking for volunteers so do get in touch if you are interested in helping out.

Best regards, Caroline Turner, Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator

Please cut / copy your info and drop in or send to Caroline Turner, Neighbourhood Watch, Little Buds, Pett Road, TN35 4JG or email [email protected]

YES - I do want to be part of the scheme

NAME:

Address:

Tel:

Email:

Your details will never be passed on outside of the Pett Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Your coordinator(s) will hand over your membership to Rother Neighbourhood Watch if they step down. The only time your details will be passed to the Rother Policing Team is if there is a problem at your property whilst you are away and the coordinator is contacted by the police (i.e., if they see your Neighbourhood Watch window sticker and are trying to get in touch with you) 41 Cricket News by Stuart Ware

After recent changes to lockdown other social distancing requirements we restrictions and with the backing of the have all become more familiar with. ECB, Pett Cricket Club our season There are others too numerous to list started at Pett Recreation Ground on here. Saturday 18th July with a home game against CC. It is appreciated that we play our games on a public recreation ground This will be followed by 2 new and we have always greatly enjoyed competitions for this curtailed season. the support of our wider community. At Firstly, through the August weekends this time we would ask that should you there will be a one off August Cup venture to the ground when a game is competition, organised by the Sussex being played you respect the Cricket Foundation and League, to restrictions our club and visitors are replace the 'normal' season. Secondly, governed by at this time. Please do not will be the delayed and modified take our distance or lack of Sussex Slam T20 midweek competition. engagement - that would normally be These will be complemented by a the case - as rudeness. They are simply sprinkling of friendly matches. For full actions that must be taken at this time fixture and result details please to allow cricket to keep up to date via www.pett.play- return to Pett. cricket.com Thank you for your For this return to play the club, and support in this wider game, is in need of complying rather troubled with stringent Covid-19 restrictions. season and we These, it is hoped, will not greatly cannot wait to effect the overall game to be played. return to 'normal' However, it will impact substantially cricket as soon as on our overall game day experience. As is permitted - it's a sample the following have been just not removed to allow a return to play: no such a time yet. use of changing rooms, no club teas at the break of play, no general use of Stuart the pavilion along with various

42 43 44 KNITTING FOR PEACE – THAT WONDROUS DAY WILL COME!!

So, how many squares have you got squirrelled away? If you’re being overwhelmed you can always drop them off to me at 2, Brambletye, Pett Road, (just two doors down from the Methodist Church). Otherwise please hang on to them for that wonderful day when we can all meet together at a Pett Coffee Morning in the Village Hall – self-distancing, of course!

Knit for Peace distributes regularly to over 200 outlets, including hospitals, women’s refuges, refugee drop-in centres, prisons, community groups, and hospices as well as to developing countries and refugee camps, or those living in the rubble in Syria. The nightmare of the pandemic will have obviously impacted on all sorts of organisations, so your work will be even more welcomed and appreciated.

Please keep going – if you need more wool let me know – I have one or two balls left of the original amount donated by Popps and a kind soul has donated some more – so don’t stop!

PATTERN FOR SQUARES

Use size 4 needles (old size 8) and Double Knitting wool Cast on 2 stitches Knit one row. Next row: K1, Inc 1 (by knitting into front and back of stitch) – knit to end. Repeat this row until work measures 12cm along straight edge (about 35 stitches approx) Next row: K1, K2tog, K to end. Repeat this row until 2 stitches left. K 1 row. K 2tog. Cast off.

If you are interested please let Heather know - and start knitting. Once normal service has been resumed we will meet up again at the monthly Coffee Mornings

Heather – [email protected]

07977 100 296 or 01424 251849 45 46 [email protected]

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 Plus a stall selling Face Masks